Periodontal Disease and Osteoporosis

Periodontal disease is characterized by a progressive loss of supportive gingival tissue in the gums and jawbone. It is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the developed world. Periodontal disease occurs when toxins found in oral plaque inflame and irritate the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. If left untreated, bacteria colonies initially cause the systematic destruction of gum tissue, and then proceed to destroy the underlying bone tissue.

Osteoporosis is a common metabolic bone disease which frequently occurs in postmenopausal women, and occurs less frequently in men. Osteoporosis is characterized by bone fragility, low bone mass and a decrease in bone mineral density. Many studies have explored and identified a connection between periodontal disease and osteoporosis.

A study conducted at the University of New York at Buffalo in 1995 concluded that post-menopausal women who suffered from osteoporosis were 86% more likely to also develop periodontal disease.

Reasons for the Connection

Though studies are still being conducted in order to further assess the extent of the relationship between osteoporosis and periodontal disease, the researchers have thus far made the following connections:

Estrogen deficiency – Estrogen deficiency accompanies menopause and also speeds up the progression of oral bone loss. The lack of estrogen accelerates the rate of attachment loss (fibers and tissues which keep the teeth stable are destroyed).

Low mineral bone density – This is thought to be one of several causes of osteoporosis, and the inflammation from periodontal disease makes weakened bones more prone to break down. This is why periodontitis can be more progressive in patients with osteoporosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Osteoporosis and periodontal disease are much less dangerous if they are diagnosed in the early stages.

Here are some methods commonly used to diagnose and treat the diseases:

Routine dental x-rays – X-rays can be effectively used to screen for bone loss in the upper and lower jaw, and the dentist can provide interventions for preventing and treating periodontal disease. It is believed that minimizing periodontal disease will help treat osteoporosis.

Estrogen supplements – Providing post-menopausal women with estrogen supplements lowers the rate of attachment loss and also lowers gingival inflammation, which in turn protects the teeth from periodontal disease.

Assessment of risk factors – Dentists and doctors are able to closely monitor the patients that are at an increased risk of developing both diseases by assessing family history, medical history, X-ray results, current medications and modifiable risk factors. Tobacco use, obesity, poor diet and estrogen deficiency can all be managed using a combination of education, support and prescription medications.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease and its connection with osteoporosis, please ask Dr. Neal or the dental hygienist.

Testimonials

Email from patient to Dr. Neal titled: It was a dark and rainy night - How a Landmark Dental employee saved a Neal patient

"In mounting pain for over a month, Nicole managed to surreptitiously remove a piece of something trapped between my gum and #14 tooth......I was (gratefully) popped in on an emergency appointment (thank you Sarah). I would love to know how Nicole was able to locate and remove the morsel, which must have been causing the continued pain, because when I drove home I noticed for the first time in weeks the pain was abating.

The circumstances for the recommendation of my using the Perio Plus are now vague in my mind, but when Sarah found out I lived in Victoria, she offered to drop off a bottle to me on her way home. Sarah doesn't live next door to me, you understand, but in her mind, it was close enough to warrant her going out of her way to make sure I was able to start using the Perio Plus quickly.

She did indeed drive all the way to our home, in the dark, pretty late at night, pulling in to the wrong, but close, driveway down the street, and calling me on her cell. I flew out of the house, phone in my hand, dressing gowned and slippered, in the dark and rainy night, running down the street to grab the bottle and give her a kiss for her trouble.

What a terrific staff! Going way beyond the call of duty, demonstrating true caring and support. One could never imagine any employee stretching themselves for a patient that way. I am impressed and grateful. Imagine the loyalty such an action motivates. Who hired this woman? Kudos!

Thank you from the heart.
Shelly S

Patient: Shelley S.

Quality work, done very efficiently, with no pain, and friendly service! What more can you ask for from a dental office! This father and son dental team are clearly very knowledgeable and definitely some of the best on the island. Their staff are fun to be around, very courteous, and helpful. The office is very cozy, neat, and ocean views to boot!! Highly recommended!!!

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below. E-mails are checked once per day Monday through Friday. If a reply or appointment booking is needed immediately, or to change a previously reserved appointment time, please phone us directly at 250-656-4848.